“Pink eye,” or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white of your eye and lining the inside of your eyelids. It can cause redness, watering, itching, discharge, and that gritty feeling like something is stuck in your eye. But pink eye has several possible causes—and they don’t all need the same treatment.
Viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants can all be responsible. Viral pink eye may show up alongside a cold and often causes watery drainage. Bacterial pink eye can cause thicker discharge that makes the eyelids stick together. Allergy-related symptoms tend to involve itching in both eyes, often along with sneezing. These patterns offer clues, but symptoms can overlap, so appearance alone doesn’t always tell the whole story.
One common misconception is that every case needs antibiotic drops. Antibiotics won’t treat viral pink eye, and allergies can benefit from antihistamines. Treatment depends on the cause and your individual situation. For mild symptoms, cool compresses and artificial tears may help ease irritation.
So, when should you get it checked? Symptoms that are worsening, aren’t improving, or involve intense redness deserve medical evaluation. Eye pain, feeling like you have sand in your eye, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision that doesn’t clear when discharge is wiped away need prompt attention—don’t assume these are routine pink eye. Newborns with eye redness or discharge should be evaluated right away.
If you wear contacts, take them out and seek prompt evaluation for suspected pink eye. Contact lens wearers can develop serious infections involving the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, that need more specialized care.
Another common question: Is it contagious? Viral and bacterial pink eye can spread easily; pink eye from allergies or irritants does not spread from person to person. Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes, and don’t share towels, pillowcases, eye makeup, or eye drops.
At Watkinsville Urgent Care, we can evaluate your symptoms, discuss treatment, and help determine whether you need an eye specialist. If you’re wondering, “Do I need to get this checked?” we’re here to help you figure out the next step.
Resources:
CDC
National Eye Institute
